Développé Écarté Devant
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
Step: Développé Écarté Devant. The word Développé means “to develop”, Écarté means “separated” and Devant means “in front”
How: As the standing leg remains straight, the working leg develops (développé) through Retiré and finishes extended to the side. While a Développé to the side is typically called “Développé à la Seconde”, this step is called “Développé Écarté Devant” as the “Écarté Devant” describes the direction that the Développé is taking. In this case, the angle of the body is separated “Écarté” on a diagonal. “Devant” describes that the working leg is on the front side of the diagonal, as is the working arm and that the head is looking towards the front side of the diagonal; the side closest to the audience.
Tip: With Développé Écarté, there is a slight tilt of the body away from the working leg. Try to keep the working leg connected to the side of the body to keep the leg as close to the body as possible while tilting away from the working leg to maintain the classical line and help with balance.
Dancer: Godwin Merano, Ballet Manila 2
Location: Mall of Asia, Seaside
